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Getting from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth

With its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Bournemouth is a great destination that balances coastal allure with contemporary city vibes. When travelling from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth, you have three main transportation options: taxi, bus, or train.

A taxi offers the most convenient mode of travel, taking approximately 35 minutes from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth, depending on traffic conditions. The taxi fare from Southampton Airport (SOU) to Bournemouth is around £70 (€80), providing a direct and seamless journey.

Alternatively, a combination of two buses can take you from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth. The first bus trip from Southampton Airport to the city centre costs £2.50 (€2.90) while the second bus from Southampton to Bournemouth costs on average £5.50 (€6.40) per person. The bus journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes, excluding waiting times.

Finally, another option is the train from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth via Southampton Central Station. It takes around 50 minutes and costs on average £15 (€17) per person.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Southampton at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €80 35min 24/7
Bus €18.6 100min 08:35–19:19
Train €34 50min 08:35–19:17

How to get from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth by taxi

Taking a taxi from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth requires approximately 35 minutes, subject to traffic conditions. This mode of transport might be slightly pricier but provides the advantage of a direct journey and round-the-clock availability.

Taxi fare from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth

Taxis in Southampton operate on a metered fare system, taking into account factors like travel time and the distance to your destination. Given the estimated distance of approximately 52.6 km to Bournemouth, the fare can vary based on traffic conditions and any additional charges. As a rough estimate, a journey of this length might cost around £70 (€80).

Furthermore, if you’d prefer a set fare and a smooth transfer, you could choose to book your Southampton Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups in advance. This ensures a streamlined and worry-free journey, letting you relax as you travel from the airport to the door of your accommodation.

Cost

£70 (€80)

Trip Duration

35 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

Taxis are available 24/7 at Southampton International Airport (SOU).

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxis are located just outside the Arrivals section at Southampton Airport. All you need to do is follow the signs or ask for help from the airport personnel, and they will direct you to the designated taxi stand.

Convenience

Although choosing a taxi or private transfer might incur a somewhat higher cost, the unmatched comfort and secure travel experience it guarantees make it a worthwhile choice. Bid farewell to the difficulties of manoeuvring through public transport systems or carrying heavy luggage around, and instead, commence your vacation with ease and tranquillity.

Editor’s Note

During Southampton's peak hours, traffic build-up might cause delays and possibly increase taxi charges. For a more streamlined and efficient journey, it's recommended to consider booking and pre-paying for your taxi service in advance.

Useful Tips

Always confirm the estimated fare with your driver before starting your journey to Bournemouth.
Taxis in Southampton typically accept both cash and card payments, including contactless options.
Pack light where possible, as depending on your group size and the taxi provider, heavy or excessive luggage might lead to additional charges.

Getting a bus from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth

Choosing a two-part bus journey from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth is a budget-friendly option. To begin, you’ll board a local bus, which operates frequently throughout the day, transporting passengers from the airport to Southampton city centre in around 20 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll switch to a longer route bus service (National Express Coach), which travels from Southampton to Bournemouth. This segment of the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How much is the bus ticket from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth?

Taking a bus from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth involves two stages. Firstly, a short bus ride from the airport to Southampton city centre costs approximately £2.50 (€2.90). Secondly, a longer bus ride from Southampton to Bournemouth costs around £5.50 (€6.40) per person, depending on the service you choose and how far in advance you book. The total journey time, not including wait times, is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs a total of £8 (€9.30) per person.

Cost

£8 (€9.30)

Trip Duration

100 Min.

*There is a waiting time of up 30 minutes for coaches departing from Southampton Central to Bournemouth.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

Coaches departing from Southampton Central to Bournemouth run from 8:35 to 19:30 daily.

Where do I get the bus from?

Bus services from Southampton Airport are accessible from the bus stops right outside the terminal building. After exiting the terminal, look for signs indicating bus services or ask airport staff for assistance in locating the correct stop for your destination (the city centre, in this case, where you’ll catch your connecting coach).

Convenience

Choosing the bus service from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth is certainly a cost-effective option, but it’s important to consider time and convenience. While bus fares are budget-friendly, they may have wait times of up to 30 minutes between departures, and buses may become full, especially during peak hours. Moreover, the service stops early in the evening, meaning it might not be an option if you’re arriving late.

Also, bear in mind that space for luggage can be limited on the local bus. If you’re carrying large or numerous suitcases, it’s recommended to plan accordingly and perhaps consider booking a private transfer.

Editor’s Note

Buses are a wallet-friendly option to travel from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth. However, keep in mind they may be subject to delays during peak hours and have limited space for larger luggage items.

Useful Tips

Check up-to-date bus schedules online before your journey, as timings can change.
During peak hours, buses may fill up quickly, so try to arrive at the bus stop a little earlier to ensure a seat.

How to get from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth by train

The train from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth via South Western Railway takes approximately 50 minutes, with a change at Southampton Central. First, you will board the train from Southampton Airport Parkway to Southampton Central and then hop on another train towards Bournemouth.

How much is the train from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth?

The cost of your train ticket will depend on the time of day you travel and how far in advance you book your ticket. From Southampton Airport Parkway to Southampton Central, the ticket costs around £4.30 (€5) while the cost for a one-way ticket from Southampton Central to Bournemouth is around £10 (€12). Totalling an average of £15 (€17) per person.

Cost

£15 (€17)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

*There's a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for the train.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

The train to Bournemouth runs from 08:35 to 19:17.

Where do I get the train from?

The Southampton Airport Parkway train station is handily situated within the airport complex itself. Directional signage will lead you to the station, and airport staff are also available for assistance. A brief one-minute stroll from the terminal building will have you prepared to embark on your train journey. Following a quick 10-minute ride, you’ll arrive at Southampton Central Station, where you’ll transfer to another train heading straight to Bournemouth.

Convenience

The train journey from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth can be a great option for those travelling light. With the train station just a minute’s walk from the terminal and frequent services to Bournemouth, it’s an efficient and scenic travel option, bypassing any potential road traffic.

Editor’s Note

We always recommend checking online for live updates to ensure a seamless journey. Unforeseen circumstances and strikes can affect schedules and routes, and cause delays and cancellations; using a 'Plan my Journey' feature or similar tools will help you avoid surprises. Travel smart and stay informed!

Useful Tips

Purchase your train tickets in advance to avoid queues at the station.
Keep an eye on your belongings while on the train for safety.
Plan ahead for your transfer at Southampton Central Station to ensure a smooth journey.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

What’s the distance from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth?

The distance from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth is approximately 53 kilometres (32.7 miles), depending on the route taken. The journey typically takes around 35 minutes by road, depending on traffic conditions.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth?

A taxi from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth typically costs around £80 (€95), depending on traffic conditions and the specific taxi service chosen. It’s essential to note that fares may vary slightly among different taxi operators. Factors such as time of day and specific routes can also influence the fare. To avoid any surprises or unexpected charges, you can book in advance with Welcome Pickups.

Is there a direct bus from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth?

No, there isn’t a direct bus from Southampton Airport to Bournemouth. The journey that incorporates the bus usually involves a two-step process: taking a local bus to Southampton city centre first, then transferring to a National Express Coach service for the rest of the trip to Bournemouth.

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